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As Time Marches On (page 3)
Authored by: Willard L. Lewis
on Jun 1, 1956
In the second fifty years, 1856 to 1906, this Nation was plunged into a great debate over the extension of slavery. This area was very much in the argument. Many runaway slaves were given food, shelter and protection in the numerous "underground railways" to be found here. From 1861 to 1865 many men of Connellsville and vicinity were with the Pennsylvania Volunteers serving in the Army of the Republic.
The middle fifty years saw great development in every field - economic, political and social. Much of the economic development can be traced to inventions and discoveries. Among them: 1859- First oil well.
1864- Pullman sleeping car.
1866- Atlantic cable.
1872- Westinghouse air brake.
1876- Telephone.
1877- Phonograph.
1881- Red Cross founded.
1893- First Ford car built.
1894- First motion picture projector.
1902- First successful airplane flight.
During this period of development in Connellsville more than paralleled that of the Nation. Many new industries sprang up here. Transportation faculties had greatly improved with the coming of the railroads and the whole area was bustling with business.
In 1898 the people of Connellsville again saw their sons departing for the war front. This time it was with Company D of the Fighting Tenth Regiment, to serve in the Philippine Islands. Some of the veterans of that conflict are yet residents of this city today.
Posted: Mar 21, 1998
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